Abendanon announced himself in Bath colours during the 2007-8 season, notching 10 tries in 24 appearances from fullback. Always willing to counter-attack, his form won him a debut England cap in June 2007 against South Africa. The game was of special significance as Abendanon was born in Johannesburg. He won a further cap in a Rugby World Cup warm-up game, but failed to make the 30-man squad for the tournament. He continued to produce with Bath and was included in the 2009 England Saxons squad to contest the Churchill Cup in the USA. In 2010 he signed a new deal with Bath despite interest from the new Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise.